Mum of 13 reflects as maternity unit closes

A mother whose 13 children and 25 grandchildren were born at the same hospital says she is sad to see it close.

Tracy Lewis had all her babies at St Mary's, Poole, between 1983 and 2003, and returned when her grandchildren were born.

Sunday, which is Mother's Day in the UK, is the last day that women will be admitted to the unit, which opened in 1961.

From Monday, women requiring maternity care will go to the new £91m BEACH building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Mrs Lewis and her husband, Pete, who live in Shaftesbury, have 12 daughters and a son - and 25 grandchildren - all born at St Mary's.

Tracy and Pete Lewis's 13 children are now grown up with families of their own

She said: "Back in the 80s, mums would be in hospital for five days but nowadays, you give birth and, after so many hours, you are back home again.

"I've had 13 normal deliveries - Pete and I are so blessed - I can't thank St Mary's enough.

"I never wanted a home birth - I just loved the excitement of going to Poole St Mary's and meeting everyone because they were all there for so many years.

"What was special to me was my good friend is now a senior midwife and she delivered number 13."

It is thought about 250,000 babies have been born at St Mary's since it opened more than six decades ago.

St Mary's Hospital opened in 1961

Families and staff are being invited to say a final farewell on Saturday 5 April between 10:00 and 13:00 BST.

Mrs Lewis said: "I'm going to be so emotional.

"It's going to be the saddest but happiest time when they close and I'm going to be there to share those last special moments.

"But it's onwards and upwards for them because it's a new hospital and it will bring so much to the new expectant mums and husbands."

Head of midwifery Kerry Taylor said: "We are so excited to be moving to the BEACH building but acknowledge that many local families and staff from the past and present will be sad to see the doors to St Mary's maternity unit close for a final time."